State quarters are a fascinating aspect of modern coin collecting, with millions of Americans unknowingly carrying valuable treasures in their pockets. Introduced by the United States Mint between 1999 and 2008, these quarters commemorate the 50 states and have sparked interest among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
While most state quarters are worth their face value, some rare editions have become highly valuable due to errors, limited production, or unique features.
Wisconsin Quarter
The 2004 Wisconsin state quarter is one of the most intriguing and valuable state quarters due to its unique minting error. Known as the “Extra Leaf Error,” this coin features an additional “high leaf” or “low leaf” on the corn stalk depicted on the reverse side.
These variants were caused by a die error during production and are highly sought after by collectors. Depending on the condition and type of error, these coins can fetch anywhere from $150 to $3,000.
Delaware Quarter
The Delaware state quarter, released in 1999, is famous for its “Spitting Horse” error. This error appears as a die crack extending from the horse’s mouth, making it look like the horse is spitting.
While not as valuable as other error coins, this quarter still holds a special place among collectors due to its distinct and recognizable flaw. Its value can range from $10 to $100, depending on the condition.
Minnesota Quarter
The 2005 Minnesota state quarter is notable for its “Double Die” error. This error features a doubling effect on the trees depicted on the reverse side of the coin, making it appear as though there are extra trees.
This error is highly collectible, with values ranging from $50 to over $300, depending on the coin’s condition and the prominence of the doubling.
| Coin Name | Year | Error/Feature | Approximate Value ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Quarter | 2004 | Extra Leaf Error | 150 – 3,000 |
| Delaware Quarter | 1999 | Spitting Horse Error | 10 – 100 |
| Minnesota Quarter | 2005 | Double Die Error | 50 – 300 |
| Kansas Quarter | 2005 | “In God We Rust” | 10 – 150 |
| Arizona Quarter | 2008 | Extra Cactus Error | 25 – 300 |
| Oregon Quarter | 2005 | Reverse Die Break | 50 – 200 |
| New York Quarter | 2001 | Double Die Error | 20 – 250 |
For collectors and enthusiasts, these state quarters represent a unique opportunity to turn pocket change into a small fortune. Regularly examining quarters for errors or distinctive features can uncover rare coins with significant value.
